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By GREG WALLACE
Some less-informed observers say Clemson is like "Auburn with a lake," and this won't help the comparisons.

Two years ago, another orange-hued group of Tigers _ Auburn's _ used the running game to trample their way to a conference championship and undefeated season.

By JIM MASILAK
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Former NBA point guard Rod Strickland didn't need to think long when the chance to join John Calipari's staff at the University of Memphis came along.

By MIKE MULHERN
Jeff Gordon is a changed man this season, feistier than ever, even gruff. But what can he do at California Speedway?

He's a three-time winner here but hasn't finished among the top 10 in more than two years.

However, Gordon's having a good summer, and over the past 10 races _ since a brutal June crash at Pocono _ he has logged two wins and five top fives.

By MIKE MULHERN
Another Labor Day weekend is rolling around, and Los Angeles is still not Darlington, and the Southern 500 is still dead.

Somehow the "Southern California 500" wouldn't have quite the same ring.

"I grew up going to Darlington on this weekend every year," Kyle Petty said.

By RON COOK
Let's see, Kevin Kelly made the field goal to beat Florida State in the third overtime of the 2006 Orange Bowl shortly before 1 a.m. Jan. 4. That means it was a little after 1 _ after the initial "We Are! Penn State!'' chants in celebration of the Nittany Lions' magical 11-1 season and No.

By ANDY KENT
Two Miami Dolphins with very recognizable last names - Gerald Riggs, Jr., and Marcus Vick - made themselves noticed Thursday night at Dolphin Stadium in Miami's final preseason game against the St.

By RON MUSSELMAN
Antonio Pittman started out as nothing more than a hood ornament on Ohio State's high-octane offensive machine last season.

But while Troy Smith, Ted Ginn Jr. and Santonio Holmes were grabbing most of the headlines, Pittman surprised everyone by putting together a splendid sophomore season.

He finished with 1,331 yards rushing, the 10th-best single-season mark in school history.

Pittman's production was mighty impressive.

Only one other Buckeyes tailback _ two-time Heisman winner Archie Griffin _ gained more yards as a sophomore (1,577 in 1973).

Griffin was a first-team All-American in his second season on the banks of the Olentangy River.

By RUSTY SIMMONS
Tennessee's new offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe wanted to meet quarterback Erik Ainge.

But first, there were a couple of mandates.

"The first time he sat me down in his office, he made me turn my hat around and take my earrings out," said Ainge of Cutcliffe, who mentored NFL stars Peyton and Eli Manning during their college days.

By BILL WHITEHEAD
The No. 6 is Mark Martin's calling card, but that number - with the minus sign that came before it when Bristol's post-race points standings were posted - left the Roush Racing driver and his championship hopes hanging on the edge.

Martin's 28th-place finish was his third-worst performance of the year.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
The 10 longest standing records in the history of the NFL:

40: Points scored in a single game by Ernie Nevers of the Chicago Cardinals vs. the Chicago Bears. Date: Nov. 28, 1929.

6: Most touchdowns rushing in one game by Ernie Nevers of the Chicago Cardinals vs.